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Deficiencies & toxicities

Magnesium deficiency

Yellowing between the veins of older leaves while the veins stay green. Very common in coco and with soft or RO water.

Symptoms

  • Yellowing between the veins of older, lower leaves while the veins stay green.
  • Patches may turn brown or rusty later.
  • Spreads upwards if not corrected.

Quick checks

How to fix it

  1. 1
    Check

    Correct pH

    Check the basics first: feed and run-off pH (5.5–6.5), EC for this week, watering, climate and light. Keep pH above 5.8 in coco and hydro.

  2. 2
    Feed

    Add Mag Cal

    Use Mag Cal at 1 ml per litre with every feed in coco or with soft or RO water.

  3. 3
    Monitor

    Judge by new growth

    Give it 3–5 days. Leaves that have already yellowed won't green up fully.

Likely causes

  • Coco holding on to magnesium.
  • Soft tap water or RO water.
  • pH too low, especially below about 5.8 in coco and hydro.
  • Cold or waterlogged roots.

What to avoid

  • Don't confuse it with iron (newest leaves) or nitrogen (even yellowing).
  • Don't add several supplements at once.

Prevention

  • Mag Cal every feed in coco, soft or RO water.
  • pH in range, calibrated pen.

Monkey products that can help

Mag Cal

Mag Cal

Magnesium sits at the heart of chlorophyll; Mag Cal is made for coco and soft or RO water.

1 ml per litre (10 ml per 10 L), for coco and for soft or RO water.

View product →

Products support a healthy plant. They don't replace fixing the cause.

When to get help

If yellowing keeps spreading after a week of correct pH and Mag Cal, email info@monkeynutrients.co.uk with photos and your readings.

Email info@monkeynutrients.co.uk

Related problems

Sources

Advice is general guidance from Monkey Nutrients and UK horticultural sources. Always read product labels.